R.D.Laing: 50 years since The Divided Self

First published in 1960, The Divided Self by Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing (1927–1989) set out to explain psychosis as an ordinary and understandable human experience. Laing’s insight was absolutely revolutionary in its humane approach. One commentator described it as ‘that particular touch of genius which causes one to say “Yes, I have always known that; why have I never thought of it before?”.

Collected in these pages are writings critically appraising Laing’s life, work, frailties, brilliance, and his wide and varied influences over the last half century. You will find transcripts, memoirs, newly commissioned articles and a few previously published papers. Contributions have come from colleagues, friends and clients, as well as people who never knew him personally, yet deeply appreciate his work. Each is different in tone and character. Each captures something unique about Laing and his work.
R.D. Laing was famous for his empathic perception, sagacious intellect and wisdom of the heart, as well as his rebelliousness and falling from grace. In reading this book you may be made to rethink some of your assumptions. We hope that you will find more than a little inspiration.

For anyone interested in Laing and his ideas, this is a fascinating collection of interviews with the great man, followed by reflections - often warm and occasionally critical - of meetings with him, or of the influence he has had on our thinking today. Half a century after the publication of The Divided Self, this book is a timely reminder of Laing the man, and of his enduring importance. Richard Bentall, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool.

Theodor Itten

Theodor Itten is a Psychotherapist UKCP and Clinical Psychologist MBPS in private practice. He was an apprentice of psychoanalyst R.D. Laing and a student of Social Anthropologist Francis Huxley. From 1972–1981, was educated in Social Science, Psychology, Anthropology and Philosophy in the UK (Middlesex University and City University) and trained in psychoanalytical psychotherapy with the Philadelphia Association, London. He is a past President of the Swiss Psychotherapeutic Association and until recently Executive Editor of the International Journal of Psychotherapy. He is co-editor of R.D.Laing: 50 years since The Divided Self (2012, PCCS Books) and author of RAGE-Managing an Explosive Emotion (2011 Libri Publishing); Jähzorn (2007) and Jack Lee Rosenberg (2002). He currently lives in Hamburg and St. Gallen. Visit his website at http://www.ittentheodor.ch

Courtenay Young

Courtenay Young is a well-known Body Psychotherapist, who has been practicing for over 30 years. He currently lives in Edinburgh, UK, working both in the National Health Service and privately as a counsellor and psychotherapist. He has been heavily engaged for over 20 years in the professional politics of psychotherapy and in the establishment of the independent profession of psychotherapy in Europe. He is the author of two books — Help Yourself Towards Mental Health and First Contacts with People in Crisis & Spiritual Emergencies — and numerous published articles on psychotherapy. He has recently started publishing books about various aspects of Body Psychotherapy under his own imprimatur, Body Psychotherapy Publications. He is also the editor of the International Journal of Psychotherapy. www.courtenay-young.com